Tenesmus
Type: Symptom
Definition
A frequent, incredibly painful, and relentless urge to pass stool, even when the bowels are completely empty.
Clinical Details
The massive, localized inflammation of the rectal tissue hyper-sensitizes the local stretch receptors that normally signal a full bowel. The inflamed rectum violently spasms, falsely signaling to the brain that defecation is urgently required. The patient strains agonizingly on the toilet but passes little to no actual fecal matter.